LERRIN
Reth's eyes widened. "You stood for Elia?"
Lerrin sneered. The memory twisted in his gut now. "When she gave her story, yes. I saw the vision of what you hoped to achieve. I am ashamed to say I urged my father to caution in moving against you. I can see now what a betrayal that was to my people."
"No, Lerrin, that means we can find our way through this. You and I, together—" Reth took a step forward, but was stopped by Behryn grabbing the back of his shirt.
Lerrin dropped his chin and let every ounce of hatred he felt for this man shine in his eyes, until his wolf tried to return. "The only way I see through this is over your grave, cat," he snarled.
"I know you're angry," Reth said in that patient tone that felt like fur rubbed the wrong direction to Lerrin. "But when this shock passes, remember, I never take the first strike, Lerrin. You know that. You've seen that in me your whole life."
